47-year-old pastor Justin Buzzard makes San Jose City College roster as defensive end
Buzzard and SJCC will open their season on August 29.
Forty-seven-year-old Justin Buzzard has captured the nation's attention by making a college football roster as a defensive end for San Jose City College. The pastor, who grew up playing football, thought his career ended in the 1990s after an injury. However, he has since become a family man with a wife and three children. Buzzard's determination was inspired by a social media clip of a 60-year-old man playing football on the East Coast, which prompted him to challenge himself to get back into game shape.
He reached out to a coach at San Jose City College, and despite the coaching staff likely just being polite, Buzzard made enough of an impression to secure a spot on the regular-season roster. During an interview with Fox & Friends, Buzzard revealed that both fans and the coaching staff have been incredibly supportive. His wife, initially concerned for his safety, has now become his biggest cheerleader, attending every game on her calendar.
Buzzard's message throughout this journey emphasizes the importance of taking risks and not rusting, both as a man and on the football field. San Jose City College's 2026 season will kick off on August 29, when they host the Redwoods.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
